Notes from Kim

'Greenwashing' in Action?

2012-01-16T05:32:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 to all!

I was just sent this article by a member of my herb group, Ocean State Herbal Association (OSHA) about a product, even I thought was non-toxic. It has been around since my kids were in elementary school since I remember using it for class car wash fundraisers back in the 90's. To be honest, I detest the smell of it so stopped using it-I guess the scent should have given me a clue right there!

So, read on and be enlightened...

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/16/toxic-chemicals-in-green-cleaning-products.aspx

Summer Solstice Greetings!

2011-06-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

A blessed Summer Solstice to all on this space in time when the Earth's axis is tilted towards the sun at its maximum angle of 23° 26', also referred to as Midsummer. Worldwide, interpretation of the Summer Solstice has varied among cultures, but most have held a recognition as a sign of fertility. It is especially celebrated in Europe. One of my favorite traditions occurs in northern Spain where pagan beliefs are especially evident. These beliefs are based on three planetary elements: Earth, Fire and Water, which are exemplified as the importance of medicinal plants, especially in relation to health, youth and beauty; the protective character of fire to ward off evil spirits and witches and, finally, the purifying, miraculous effects of water.

Medicinal plants: Traditionally, women collect several species of plants on St. John's eve. These vary from area to area, but mostly include Fennel, different species of fern , Rue, also called Herb of Grace, Rosemary, Dog Rose (rosa canina), Lemon Verbena, St. John's Wort, which blooms on St. John's Day, June 24th, (it has bloomed a week earlier this year) Mallow, Foxglove, and Elder flowers. In some areas, these are arranged in a bunch and hung in doorways. In most others, they are dipped in a vessel with water and left outside exposed to the dew of night until the following morning (o dia de San Xoan -St. John's day), when people use the resulting flower water to wash their faces. Calendula flowers were historically picked throughout Europe on this day as their potency was deemed to be most powerful and could ward off evil spirits.

Water: Tradition holds it that the medicinal plants mentioned above are most effective when dipped in water collected from seven different springs. Also, on some beaches, women who wanted to be fertile would bathe in the sea until they were washed by nine waves.

Fire: Bonfires are lit, usually around midnight both on beaches and inland. Occasionally, a dummy is placed at the top, representing a witch or the devil. All gather around them and feast mostly on potatoes boiled in their skins and maize or cornbread. When it is relatively safe to jump over the bonfire, it is done three times (although it could also be nine or any odd number) for good luck at the cry of “meigas fora” (witches off!). It is also common to drink Queimada, a potent Galician wine called grappa mixed with sugar, coffee beans and pieces of fruit, which is prepared while chanting an incantation against e vil spirits...

So my blessings for a fertile and joyous summer extend to all of you!

2011-06-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

My friend and webmaster, Paul Verduchi, surprised me via e-mail today in honor of my upcoming birthday with a very timely song about our important connection to Mother Earth. It's called 'No No No' by Archie Roach, an Australian born Aboriginal guitarist/singer/songwriter.

Thank you, Paul!

It goes like this:

No, No, No

Standing on a mountaintop listening to the land.
Make them stop please make them stop this burning in my brain.
People they're just passing by,
They don't understand, they can't hear our mother cry.
No they can't hear her pain

No, No, No

Feel our anger, feel our rage. How much can we take?
We're living in a nuclear age. What the hell for?
You cut our mother, watch her bleed and dig your yellowcake
When everyone has had a feed, you can go and kill some more.

No, No, No

I reach out and look around and tears fill up my eyes...

I try but can't block out the sound of crying in my ears,
So take a walk with me, my friend, you might be surprised.
Before our journey's at an end you might even hear!

No, No, No

I kiss the land, I kiss her cheek and nestle at her breast,
Then I ear my mother speak. She says we're one-you and I.

No, No, No...

2011-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Honoring the Plants

If you have ever taken an herbal tincture, sipped an herbal infusion used a plant-based medicinal salve, creme or lotion, you have been the recipient of the Earth's prolific plant bounty and its power to nourish and heal. Have you ever paused to consider and appreciate that each one is the Earth’s gift to you? The healing properties of plants are a wondrous blessing to humans and animals alike. Herbalists worldwide believe that this is indeed a time of strife for our planet. We feel it is important-now more than ever-to be mindful of the fragility of many native plant species and their habitats. Your herbal formula is much more than plant(s) combined with alcohol and/or water or an aromatic scent. It is, in fact a representation of how we as humans are connected to the Earth and how we are dependent on it for our health and well-being. So how can you show your appreciation for the plants that provide so much? One way is not to use herbicides on your lawn or garden. Pull unwanted weeds instead or use an organic alternative. Another way is to allow a small section of your yard or property to grow wild. In winter, use sustainable and non-toxic melting agents on walkways and driveway. Who knows? One day you may find a plant that is part of the very herbal formula you are taking today, ready to sprout up and send off its pollen to another meadow and insure its place as an important thread in the web of life.

Photo above: Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica). See upcoming post for more details on this wonderful gift of nature.

DEEP IMMUNE TONIC TEA BLEND

2010-11-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a Winter time tea blend I introduced at our herb group meeting last night. I thought readers might be interested in trying it. Your thoughts are welcome! It contains Licorice and Cinnamon that are sweet but don't cause a spike in blood sugar. AND each has anti-viral properties as well. Drink throughout the winter months to create and maintain vitality!

DEEP IMMUNE TONIC tea blend
1 part Astragalus c/s
1 part Licorice root c/s
1/2 part 14 mushroom blend from Mushroom Harvest: http://www.mushroomharvest.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=201
1/2 part Elder berries
1/4 part Rhodiola rt c/s
1/4 part Cinnamon chips (or powder if you can't get)
To decoct, add 1 teaspoon of herbs to 1 cup water in a stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover and turn heat down to simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup AM and PM from October to April. It's a good idea to make enough to last 2 days in refrigerator.

2010-10-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm on a roll...

If you would like to win a Lily's Garden Herbals product sampler, all you need to do is log onto http://eringoodman.com/blog/ and leave a comment. This giveaway begins, today, Friday, October 29, 2010 and runs till Sunday afternoon - Halloween. Good luck!

2010-10-29T06:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I know, it's been a long time since my last post. Much has happened since March! As many of you may know, I have decided to take a position as 'The Coop Herbalist' at the Alternative Food Cooperative in Wakefield, RI. www.alternativefoodcoop.com where I am responsible for the ordering of bulk herbs, nutritional supplements and health care products. I still mix up my tea blends, although I will admit I haven't gotten them all back up on the shelf yet after the Coop's ceiling collapse back in the summer. (That's a story for another day!). But never fear, Lily's Garden Herbals is still in full swing, with exciting events in the works for 2011. I'll certainly keep you posted on this.

Blessings to all,

Kim

2010-03-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Cucumber!

This information was originally from a The New York Times article as part of their “Spotlight on the Home” series that highlighted creative ways to solve common problems. My sister-in-law forwarded it to me and I was fascinated by all that I read. I had never realized how the humble cucumber could be such a powerhouse of nutrients. I am taking an educated guess that the skin must remain on the cucumber to obtain these nutrients. Just slice them thin!!

1. Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance..

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a non-toxic way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the skin of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

A Spring Fling!

2010-03-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

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READY to make time for yourself and enjoy a night out? TIRED of th winter and ready to jump into Spring? We know you are because that's exactly how we're feeling!

Join Kim Falcone and Karen Hodges as we welcome in the lightness of Spring!

Karen will explore the energy of Spring, what pitfalls to beware of, and using an aromatherapy blend to support our blooming. Kim will guide us in what herbs and foods we need in order to help flush our bodies from the heaviness of winter and teach us how to formulate a special springtime tea.

Expect this 2hour program to be relaxed, fun-a bit of a night out-and educational.

When: Wednesday, March 24^th 7 –9 pm

Where: Lily's Garden Herbals, 50 Tuckertown Rd Wakefield, RI 02879

Registration: $30.00*

Space is limited so be sure to register early.

Call Kim at: 401-284-2798 or e-mail: kim@lilysgardenherbals.com

for directions visit: www.lilysgardenherbals.com

Karen Hodges is the Adventures to Transformation™ coach and owner of Synthesis Coaching. Karen is a certified personal and business coach who works with individuals and groups to grow

through change and transitions with grace, clarity, and ease.

Kim Falcone is the owner of Lily's Garden Herbals, LLC in Wakefield, RI where she serves the community as an herbal consultant and educator. Kim also formulates a line of household herbal products for home and personal health.

*Bring a friend and save $5 each!

NETI POT news...

2010-01-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

I have just learned how to use the neti pot! And I thought I knew how to do so before...not so!
Here is the correct way...
1. Prepare your desired solution (I like a pinch of sea salt or a weak Thyme leaf tea, (thanks Maggie H!) and fill pot.
2. Tilt your head to one side over a sink or basin.
3. Insert spout of pot gently in the raised nostril, creating a seal between pot and nostril.
4. Raise the pot slowly to develop a steady flow of solution through the upper portion of the nostril allowing it to drain out the lower nostril into the sink. (You may want to cover your front with a large towel to prevent wetness to clothing.)
5. During this process, BE SURE to breathe through the mouth so that the solution will flow freely and you do not choke on it-this was the part I was doing wrong!
6. Now exhale forcefully several times into a tissue to clear out the sinus passages.
7. Repeat process with other nostril.

Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or concerns..

TIP Talks Newsletter-Holiday 2009

2009-12-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Holiday/Winter 2009-2010
TOXIC INFORMATION PROJECT NEWSLETTER (not directly affiliated with Lily's Garden Herbals but a great resource put out by some dedicated Rhode Islanders doing great work!)

Highlights: Holiday Guidance: Christmas Trees, Candles, Kitchens, Handwashing...

Legislation: Household Products Labeling, BPA in Food Containers; Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Bill; Toxic Substances Control Act; Why City Pesticide Ban is Good for Business...

Hope for the Holidays: OCA on the Organic Answer to Hunger, AMA Resolution...

Go to: www.toxicsinfo.org/tiptalks/winter10.htm

2009-12-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Don't miss...

Lily's Garden Herbals Holiday Shopping Day at the Cottage

Take 15% off all your favorite Lily’s Garden Herbals products in the Cottage*

Gift tubs, stocking stuffers and other seasonal goodies also on sale

Enjoy seasonal snacks and libation while you shop!

*excluding seasonal items

When? Tomorrow Saturday, December 12th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Cottage at:

50 Tuckertown Road
Wakefield, RI 02879
phone: 401- 284-2798

kim@lilysgardenherbals.com
www.lilysgardenherbals.com

2009-12-11T06:12:00.000-08:00

Here is some data obtained from the 'Environment and Society' class my daughter is taking at McGill University. The take away from it is: reduce intake of animal protein for better personal and planetary health!

Meat based diet of the Americans and most Middle Income Countries is is very detrimental to the environment:

Impacts:

Resource Use-
>1/2 the world’s cropland grows livestock feed

The land used to feed 1 meat eater could feed 20 pure vegetarians

Livestock consume about 38% of the world’s grain, and that consumption is growing twice as fast as people’s grain consumption. Pigs and chickens account for 2/3 of this consumption and dairy and beef cattle much of the remaining 1/3

>70% of the grain consumed in the US is fed to livestock, compared to only 2% in sub-Saharan Africa

Almost 2/3 of US cropland is used to produce livestock feed; only 2% is used to produce vegetables eaten by people

1/3 of the world’s fish catch is converted into fish meal and fed to livestock in MICs

About 40% of the commercial inorganic fertilizer used in the US is applied to cornfields used to produce livestock feed

Livestock use more than 1/2 the water withdrawn each year in the US, with most of this water used to irrigate crops fed to livestock and to wash manure away. The water used to produce the meat on a 1000 lb grain-fed steer would float a battleship

A person switching from a trypical meat-based diet to a pure vegetarian diet saves 5.3 million liters of water a year (enough to fill 2 olympic size swimming pools)

If everyone in the US switched to a pure vege diet, the country’s oil imports could be cut by 60%

Almost half the energy used in American agriculture goes into the livestock sector

Damage to the Environment:
About 85% of US topsoil loss is directly associated with livestock grazing

Overgrazing of sparse vegetation and trampling of the soil by too many cattle and other livestock is the major cause of desertification in arid and semiarid areas

Cutting down tropical forests in South America and converting them to short-lived pasture for cattle to raise beef for export to MDCs and for domestic use have destroyed vast areas of these storehouses of biodiversity

Pollution;
Cattle belch out 12-15% of all the methane released into the atmosphere

Some of the nitrogen in commercial inorganic fertilizer used to produce livestock feed is converted to nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas

Nitrogen in manure excapes into the atmosphere as gaseous ammonia, a pollutant that contributes to acid deposition

Meat accounts for 55% of the pesticide residues in the US diet, compared to 6% from vegetables, 4% form fruits, and 1% from grains

Livestock in the US produce 125 tons of shit every second

Only about 1/2 of the livestock waste produced in the US is recycled in the soil. This leaves farmers with high fertilizer bills and livestock producers with high waste disposal costs.

Livestock wastes and sediment from land eroded by livestock account for about 1/2 the water pollution in the US

***Resolution= Sustainable production of meat:
Reducing the number of livestock animals in many areas

Producing crops and livestock together in areas where such diversified farming systems have disappeared and encouraging them where they survive

Raising the price of agricultural inputs (soil, water, fertilizer) and products to reflects their true environmental costs

Slowing and eventually halting human population growth

Nutritional Supplements and Herbs for Influenza

2009-11-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

A common sense approach to the flu-H1 N1 or other strains by well-respected herbalist, Paul Bergner. Well worth watching. Be sure to take notes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g-QWXIEVXE

(you may need to copy and paste this link to your browser window)

For more information, you can attend my free talk entitled 'Building Vitality for Winter Wellness-nourishing ourselves and our families during the cold months ahead' which will be held:

Thursday, November 19th from 7 to 9 pm at:
Alternative Food Cooperative
357 Main Street
Wakefield, RI 02879

Call 401-789-2240 and leave a message for Tracey Blahey to register

350.org Day of International Climate Action

2009-10-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

On October 24, 2009 (yes, it's coming up soon!), an International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on Earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history.

What does '350' mean?

350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.

Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390 ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

So, to exemplify the urgency of getting the Earth's carbon dioxide at this safe upper limit of 350 part per million, the dedicated members at 350.org are overseeing the organization, by citizens like you, of big rallies in big cities and incredible creative actions across the globe--like mountain climbers holding banners on our highest peaks, underwater demonstrations in island nations that are threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides--and hundreds upon hundreds of community events throughout the world to raise awareness of the need for urgent action.

Every event will highlight the number 350--and people will gather at some point for a big group photo depicting that all important message. Soon after, at 350.org all photos will be assembled for a gigantic, global, visual petition.

The thousands of events on October 24th will drive 350 and all that it represents into the human imagination, and change the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen this December, 2009. Copenhagen may well be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get the planet out of its climate crisis, and YOUR actions on October 24th will help our leaders realize we mean business-a real solution that pays real attention to the indisputable scientific evidence.

Please log onto 350.org to find an event near you.

Planting the Future Conference, Saturday, September 19th

2009-09-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Join the Ocean State Herbal Association this Saturday, September 19th as we host:

United Plant Savers ‘Planting the Future’ Conference. A day of classes, workshops and herb walks. Teachers include herbalist, Susun Weed along with many well-known New England herbalists. Win herbal products! Shop for locally made herbal products and crafts throughout the day at the Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living, 451 Hammet Rd. Coventry, RI. For directions to the center call: 401-397-3430 or go online: www.apeiron.org.

Lily's Garden Herbals bloggers, you can contact Kim Falcone if you have questions.

For event registration call Betzy Bancroft at United Plant Savers: 802-476-6467 or go online: www.unitedplantsavers.org or register the day of the event. Tickets are $60 for UpS members/$70 non-members.

'Planting the Future' is hosted by the Ocean State Herbal Association to benefit United Plant Savers in the preservation of endangered and at risk medicinal plants in North America

Event Schedule

9:00 am Opening Circle

9:45 – 11:15 class session 1
Donna Wood Eaton - The Earth Doesn't Like Bare Spots!
Karyn Sanders - Planting Medicinal Plants from a Native American Perspective
Aviva Romm - Wise Women: Wise Choices
Tim Blakley – The Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
Herb walk – Tony(a) Lemos

11:30 – 1:00 class session 2
Kate & Dan Rakosky - Gardening with Gaia
Michael Ford - Indigenous Uses of Plant Species of Southern New England
Susun Weed - Favorite Herbs for A High-Energy, High-Intensity Life
Nancy Scarzello – UpS and YOU ~ A Creative Partnership
herb walk – Chris Marano

1:00 to 2:00 lunch
2:00 – 3:30 class session 3
Jeff Carpenter - Growing Threatened Medicinal Herbs for Market in the Northeast
Donna Wood Eaton - A UpS Medicine Trail on Cape Cod
Lupo Passero - Flower Essence and Energetic Medicine of the "At Risk" Plants
herb walk – Betzy Bancroft

3:45 – 5:15 class session 4
Susun Weed – the Peaceful Gardener
Kate & Dan Rakosky - Creating Sanctuary: Tour Sagewood Herb Farm, a RI UpS Botanical Sanctuary
Margi Flint – Plant Love
Jody Noe – Wild Medicinals Traditionally used in Cancer Care
herb walk – Lesley Wooler

5:15 – 5:30 Closing Circle

2009-07-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe for Neem Garden Spray that I have just begun to use on my vegetables and other garden plants with great success!

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree that is native to India. Its seeds, bark and leaves have been used extensively in Aryurvedic medicine for several thousands of years. Indians there call Neem 'the village pharmacy' and depend on its medicines for all types of skin problems, as an antimicrobial and and anti-inflammatory. Its tender shoots and flowers are also eaten as a vegetable. Neem oil, which is pressed from the olive-like seeds (see photo above), is a very effective bio-insecticide for garden plants. Neem doesn't actually kill chewing insects, but interferes with hormonal processes so the bug forgets to eat and/or reproduce. It does not affect pollinating insects, however, because they do not chew on plant leaves. You won't notice results right away, so do not think it is not effective. Be patient, as it takes about a week to see results. I can actually see my lettuces and Echinacea plants growing new leaves without big holes being chewed in them.

Neem Garden Insecticide

Ingredients:
5 ml Neem Oil (about 1 teaspoon)
2 ml dish detergent (less than 1/2 teaspoon)-Castille soap is good. (Make sure it is not something that has been sitting around for over a year.) There is also a product called insecticidal soap, available at many green markets/retailers and hardware stores.
1 liter very warm water.

Directions:
Fill trigger sprayer bottle with water.
Add dish detergent
Add Neem oil.

SHAKE WELL. It's also necessary to shake each time you use this product.
Spray vegetables, flowers, shrubs to alleviate chewing insect problems. For further information on Neem, log onto: http://www.discoverneem.com

Happy Gardening!

Earth Day Thoughts

2009-04-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday, April 22nd we recognize Earth Day 2009. This year to honor the planet I want to address an issue that, I think, is sometimes overlooked by even the most caring and seemingly aware citizen. This issue seems to disguise itself as a harmless habit, one that as an American motor vehicle driver, many of us practice daily as we choose a favorite song on our i-pod, send a text message then wait for a return text, or just wait for a buddy to run into the grocery store for a quick snack or drink. But this 'harmless' habit isn't at all. It releases unneeded harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere-a situation that most (I wish I could say all) of us want to avoid, don't we? You guessed it, it's vehicle idling. Here are some idling facts I've gathered from the 'Idle-free VT' website I feel we all should pay attention to:

1. IDLING CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE. Greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, including carbon dioxide (CO2), causes climate change. A serious threat to the planet, overwhelming scientific evidence links climate change to the earth's highest ever average annual temperatures, melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, increasingly severe weather events, and threatens many plant and animal species.

2. IDLING EMISSIONS CAN AFFECT OUR RESPIRATORY HEALTH It should go without saying that when breathing, the cleaner the air, the better our lungs and nasal passages (that sit against and open up into the brain) will fare. And do I even need to mention the health of our children? Younger children's lungs are right about at the level of these toxic tailpipes as they walk by.

While modern light-duty gasoline vehicles are designed with advanced emission control technologies that have come a long way in reducing the emissions of harmful criteria air contaminents (CACs) such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and benzene, there are several factors that can inevitably cause increased emissions at idle: vehicle age, how the vehicle is maintained, wear of emission control components and their resulting diminished function, the warmed up state of a vehicle, and how cold the weather. In addition, light-duty diesel vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles have increased emissions.

3. IDLING WASTES FUEL. While gas prices have decreased of late, the general trend is inevitably headed upward. Needless idling burns our hard earned dollars through the exhaust pipe. An idling vehicle gets 0 miles to the gallon. And remember that fossil fuels are being depleted in the face of ever increasing world demand.

Under a new administration that takes climate change and energy conservation seriously, please consider contacting your US Senator to team up with Sen. Bernie Sanders--VT, a U.S. Senate Environment Committee member, to work with other members of this committee (Sen. Barbara Boxer--CA, chair) to advocate for a federal program of idle-free awareness, as Canada has been doing for years. Also ask him/her to push automobile manufacturers to increase their mileage standards by adopting the Auto Stop-Start system for U.S. vehicles. This system, now utilized on certain European models, allows conventional vehicle engines to automatically shut off and restart seamlessly at stoplights, just as hybrids now do. To locate your state's US Senator, log onto:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
For more information on idling, log onto http://www.idlefreevt.org

This Earth Day could be a great day to begin your intent to be mindful about shutting off your motor vehicle's engine whenever you:
- park your car and plan on being parked for more than 30 seconds.
- decide to wait at the drive thru at the bank, fast food stop, pharmacy, etc.
- drop your passenger off to run into the convenience/grocery store for 'just a minute'.
- decide to run into the store yourself for 'just a minute'.
- oh, and wear outerwear appropriate for the weather so you won't feel the need to keep the engine running to keep warm.

...and make every day Earth Day.

2009-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Vegan Carrot and Apple Muffins

This one was passed around at our last Ocean State Herbal Association meeting and was a big hit.
I thought you all might be interested in it. Again, these muffins are full of fiber, something we all need on a daily basis. In fact, the more fiber you eat in the morning, the longer you'll stave off hunger until lunchtime. So, forget those Dunkin Donut muffins! Try these for a change of pace!
They are YUM-MY!

VEGAN CARROT AND APPLE MUFFINS

Yields 12 regular sized muffins, 6 large muffins.

1 1/2 cups organic unbleached or whole grain flour
3/4 ground flax seeds
3/4 cup oat bran
3/4 cup brown sugar (I substitute date sugar or fructose sometimes)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt (I omit this)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups carrots-shredded
2 apples, shredded
1/2 cup raisins or currants
1 cup nuts (if desired)
3/4 cup soy/rice/hemp/almond/coconut milk
1 large, RIPE banana to replace 2 eggs or egg replacer (try ENR-G brand) to equal 2 eggs.
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together flour, ground flax seeds, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Stir in carrots, apples, raisins and nuts.
Combine 'milk', banana or egg replacer, and vanilla.
Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix.
Fill oiled muffin tins 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degree F for 18-20 minutes.

Leave in tins for a couple of minutes than turn onto a cooling rack.

Freeze extras if there are any left.

2009-03-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Here is some information on dioxanes that are contained in some 'natural' brands of body care products. Yes, I said natural products. Because we all need to be ever mindful on our journey towards good health, I am passing this on to you.

The official name of this toxin is '1,4-dioxane, a cancer-causing contaminant released through the manufacturing process and is found in numerous natural and organic surfactant products, including soaps, shampoos, shower gels and dish soaps. Some of the brand names are Jason Natural, Alba, Kiss My Face, Seventh Generation and Nature's Gate. These companies use a petrochemical called ethylene oxide to make harsh ingredients milder in their products, a process is called 'ethoxylation'. This process is what generates 1,4 dioxane, which is then easily absorbed through the skin-the largest organ of the human body, when it is used on the head, body and/or hands. To their credit, these companies are now looking for alternatives, so look for changes in coming months. In fact, to speed things up, a quick e-mail to your favorite natural care company wouldn't hurt! In the meantime, however, just look for the USDA Organic seal on body care products or simply avoid any product containing an ingredient with 'eth' suffix in it. Also PEGs, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol. For more information log onto:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm

2009-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Vernal Equinox! aka Spring!

With the garden just waking up I thought you all might want to know which veggies/fruits are not heavily sprayed and those that are. These 'dirty dozen' you should buy organically grown whenever possible, when your budget allows.

'Naturally Clean'
Avocados
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Kiwi
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Sweet peas
Sweet Corn

Heavily sprayed: listed from worst to not quite as bad
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Spinach
Celery
Pears
Cherries
Potatoes
Bell Peppers
Raspberries
imported Grapes
All of these are known to contain toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, GMO's, sewage, and possible irradiation to kill bacteria.

I obtained these lists at my local health food store and wanted to share.

2009-03-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Gina.

I'm still getting used to checking the blog for updates. Hope you're doing well up in NY.

Lily's Garden Whole Grain Pancakes

2009-03-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe that has many variations, is easy and substitutions can be made easily if there are dairy, gluten and egg allergies. I find the pancakes great for the digestion as well.

Lily's Garden Whole Grain Pancakes:

All ingredients should be organically produced if possible Yield: 4 medium-sized pancakes

3/4 cup whole grain of your choice: Oats, Buckwheat (not a true grain-but a great pancake staple!), Quinoa (not oats if gluten sensitive)
1/4 whole grain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon oil: melted coconut, almond, olive or flax
1 cup milk-or enough to thin the batter out enough to pour into pan. (substitute rice, soy, hemp or almond milk if there is a dairy allergy)
1 egg (substitute egg replacer, 1/2 ripe banana, 1/4 cup applesauce, or 1/4 cup canned pumpkin if there is an egg allergy)

Options: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla to batter. Shake cinnamon or sprinkle blueberries, sliced bananas, apples or other toppings after pouring batter into the pan. Substitute protein powder for the flour to get extra nutrients into the pancakes-kids usually can't detect this-I know from past experience...

Heat up a pan on a medium-low flame before mixing above ingredients so that it will be the correct temperature for frying.

Grind whole grains in a coffee grinder and pour into a quart-sized pyrex pourable measuring cup or large bowl.Add flour and baking powder and mix with a wire whisk.
Then add the oil, egg and milk and whisk or mix well with a wooden spoon.
Pour batter into pan. It will be a bit coarse. Be patient with these cakes. They take a bit longer so be sure to cook evenly on both sides.

Serve with whole fruit jam, apple butter, agave nectar, or 100% maple syrup.

Exotic Evenings...

2009-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hello all, My first post is to introduce ' Exotic Evenings' to you. Exotic Evenings are designed to allow you as a hostess/host and your invited guests to enjoy an evening of aromatherapy and formulate a one oz. essential oil blend that you can take home with you and use as a massage, medicinal or perfume oil. For more details you can log onto www.lilysgardenherbals.com. Hostesses/hosts receive their essential oil blends as a free gift for scheduling their Evening, as well as one selected Lily's Garden Herbals product which is chosen before the Evening occurs.

Please reply with questions or if you would like more information. I will send you a recipe list with prices when you schedule your event.

Kim